abuse

Abuse means to use something in a way that is wrong or that wasn't intended. (verb)

An example of abuse is to take prescription drugs for fun that you buy from a dealer instead of a doctor.

Abuse means to somehow hurt or injure something or someone by acting badly or neglectfully. (verb)

Hitting your spouse or not feeding your pet are both examples of abuse.

Abuse is something that causes injury or insult. (noun)

An example of abuse is not providing for the physical needs of a child.

Abuse is the use of something for the wrong purpose. (noun)

An example of abuse is when a politician takes public finds for personal gain.

See abuse in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb abused, abusing

to use wrongly; misuse: to abuse a privilege
1. to hurt by treating badly; mistreat
2. to inflict physical, sexual, or psychological harm upon
to use insulting, coarse, or bad language about or to; revile

noun

wrong, bad, or excessive use
mistreatment, esp. by the infliction of physical, sexual, or psychological harm; injury
a bad, unjust, or corrupt custom or practice
insulting or coarse language
Obsolete deception

Related Forms:

See abuse in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(ə-byo͞ozˈ)

transitive verb a·bused, a·bus·ing, a·bus·es

noun (ə-byo͞osˈ)

Improper use or handling; misuse: abuse of authority; drug abuse.
Physical maltreatment: spousal abuse.
Sexual abuse.
An unjust or wrongful practice: a government that commits abuses against its citizens.
Insulting or coarse language: verbal abuse.

Related Forms: